Method for Epitaxial Growth and Device

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device includes first and second semiconductor fins extending from a substrate and a source/drain region epitaxially grown in recesses of the first and second semiconductor fins. A top surface of the source/drain region is higher than a surface level with top surfaces of the first and second semiconductor fins. The source/drain region includes a plurality of buffer layers. Respective layers of the plurality of buffer layers are embedded between respective layers of the source/drain region. Each of the plurality of buffer layers may have an average thickness in a range of about 2 Å to about 30 Å.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/771,847, filed on Nov. 27, 2018, which application is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Semiconductor devices are used in a variety of electronic applications,such as, for example, personal computers, cell phones, digital cameras,and other electronic equipment. Semiconductor devices are typicallyfabricated by sequentially depositing insulating or dielectric layers,conductive layers, and semiconductor layers of material over asemiconductor substrate, and patterning the various material layersusing lithography to form circuit components and elements thereon.

The semiconductor industry continues to improve the integration densityof various electronic components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors,capacitors, etc.) by continual reductions in minimum feature size, whichallow more components to be integrated into a given area. However, asthe minimum features sizes are reduced, additional problems arise thatshould be addressed.

FinFETs are increasingly employed in the manufacture of integratedcircuits, owing to the small size and high performance of the FinFETtransistor. Fully strained channels further improve FinFET performance,but fully strained channel architectures create their own shortcomingsto be addressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a FinFET in a three-dimensional view,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 2-23B are cross-sectional views of intermediate stages in themanufacturing of FinFETs, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the invention. Specificexamples of components and arrangements are described below to simplifythe present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and arenot intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a firstfeature over or on a second feature in the description that follows mayinclude embodiments in which the first and second features are formed indirect contact, and may also include embodiments in which additionalfeatures may be formed between the first and second features, such thatthe first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition,the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters inthe various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicityand clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between thevarious embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Advantageous features of one or more embodiments disclosed hereinincludes a process for a multi-cycle epitaxial growth of source/drainregions. The multi-cycle growth uses a repeated deposition and etching(referred to henceforth as a dep-etch) to restrain horizontal growth ofthe source-drain regions and increase the height of the source/drainregions. Restraining the horizontal growth can prevent merging ofadjacent source/drain regions used in the fabrication of static randomaccess memory (SRAM) devices.

The multi-cycle dep-etch growth of the source/drain regions increasesthe height of the source/drain regions. Top surfaces of the source/drainregions may be higher than top surfaces of semiconductor fins in whichthe source/drain regions are epitaxially grown. The multi-cycle dep-etchgrowth process also improves critical dimension uniformity (CDU) of thesource/drain regions and increases the total volume of the source/drainregions. Higher top surfaces of the source/drain regions and increasedvolume can lead to improved device performance by providing a largervolume of source/drain region for the metal contact to electricallycouple with, decreasing contact resistance.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a FinFET in a three-dimensional view,in accordance with some embodiments. The FinFET comprises a fin 52 on asubstrate 50 (e.g., a semiconductor substrate). Isolation regions 56 aredisposed in the substrate 50, and the fin 52 protrudes above and frombetween neighboring isolation regions 56. Although the isolation regions56 are described/illustrated as being separate from the substrate 50, asused herein the term “substrate” may be used to refer to just thesemiconductor substrate or a semiconductor substrate inclusive ofisolation regions. Additionally, although the fin 52 is illustrated as asingle, continuous material as the substrate 50, the fin 52 and/or thesubstrate 50 may comprise a single material or a plurality of materials.In this context, the fin 52 refers to the portion extending between theneighboring isolation regions 56.

A gate dielectric layer 92 is along sidewalls and over a top surface ofthe fin 52, and a gate electrode 94 is over the gate dielectric layer92. Source/drain regions 82 are disposed in opposite sides of the fin 52with respect to the gate dielectric layer 92 and gate electrode 94. FIG.1 further illustrates reference cross-sections that are used in laterfigures. Cross-section A-A is along a longitudinal axis of the gateelectrode 94 and in a direction, for example, perpendicular to thedirection of current flow between the source/drain regions 82 of theFinFET. Cross-section B-B is perpendicular to cross-section A-A and isalong a longitudinal axis of the fin 52 and in a direction of, forexample, a current flow between the source/drain regions 82 of theFinFET. Cross-section C-C is parallel to cross-section A-A and extendsthrough a source/drain region of the FinFET. Subsequent figures refer tothese reference cross-sections for clarity.

Some embodiments discussed herein are discussed in the context ofFinFETs formed using a gate-last process. In other embodiments, agate-first process may be used. Also, some embodiments contemplateaspects used in planar devices, such as planar FETs.

FIGS. 2 through 23B are cross-sectional views of intermediate stages inthe manufacturing of FinFETs, in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS.2 through 7 illustrate reference cross-section A-A illustrated in FIG.1, except for multiple fins/FinFETs. FIGS. 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A,14A, 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 20A, 21A, 22A, and 23A are illustratedalong reference cross-section A-A illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 8B,9B, 10B, 11B, 12B, 13B, 14B, 15B, 16B, 17B, 18B, 19B, 20B, 21B, 21C,22B, and 23B are illustrated along a similar cross-section B-Billustrated in FIG. 1, except for multiple fins/FinFETs. FIGS. 11C, 12C,12D, 13C, 13D, 14C, 14D, 15C, 15D, 16C, 16D, 16C, 16D, 17C, and 17D areillustrated along reference cross-section C-C illustrated in FIG. 1,except for multiple fins/FinFETs.

In FIG. 2, a substrate 50 is provided. The substrate 50 may be asemiconductor substrate, such as a bulk semiconductor, asemiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, or the like, which may bedoped (e.g., with a p-type or an n-type dopant) or undoped. Thesubstrate 50 may be a wafer, such as a silicon wafer. Generally, an SOIsubstrate is a layer of a semiconductor material formed on an insulatorlayer. The insulator layer may be, for example, a buried oxide (BOX)layer, a silicon oxide layer, or the like. The insulator layer isprovided on a substrate, typically a silicon or glass substrate. Othersubstrates, such as a multi-layered or gradient substrate may also beused. In some embodiments, the semiconductor material of the substrate50 may include silicon; germanium; a compound semiconductor includingsilicon carbide, gallium arsenic, gallium phosphide, indium phosphide,indium arsenide, and/or indium antimonide; an alloy semiconductorincluding SiGe, GaAsP, AlInAs, AlGaAs, GaInAs, GaInP, and/or GaInAsP; orcombinations thereof.

The substrate 50 has a region 50N and a region 50P. The region 50N canbe for forming n-type devices, such as NMOS transistors, e.g., n-typeFinFETs. The region 50P can be for forming p-type devices, such as PMOStransistors, e.g., p-type FinFETs. The region 50N may be physicallyseparated from the region 50P (as illustrated by divider 51), and anynumber of device features (e.g., other active devices, doped regions,isolation structures, etc.) may be disposed between the region 50N andthe region 50P.

In FIG. 3, fins 52 are formed in the substrate 50. The fins 52 aresemiconductor strips. In some embodiments, the fins 52 may be formed inthe substrate 50 by etching trenches in the substrate 50. The etchingmay be any acceptable etch process, such as a reactive ion etch (RIE),neutral beam etch (NBE), the like, or a combination thereof. The etchmay be anisotropic.

The fins may be patterned by any suitable method. For example, the finsmay be patterned using one or more photolithography processes, includingdouble-patterning or multi-patterning processes. Generally,double-patterning or multi-patterning processes combine photolithographyand self-aligned processes, allowing patterns to be created that have,for example, pitches smaller than what is otherwise obtainable using asingle, direct photolithography process. For example, in one embodiment,a sacrificial layer is formed over a substrate and patterned using aphotolithography process. Spacers are formed alongside the patternedsacrificial layer using a self-aligned process. The sacrificial layer isthen removed, and the remaining spacers may then be used to pattern thefins.

In FIG. 4, an insulation material 54 is formed over the substrate 50 andbetween neighboring fins 52. The insulation material 54 may be an oxide,such as silicon oxide, a nitride, the like, or a combination thereof,and may be formed by a high density plasma chemical vapor deposition(HDP-CVD), a flowable CVD (FCVD) (e.g., a CVD-based material depositionin a remote plasma system and post curing to make it convert to anothermaterial, such as an oxide), the like, or a combination thereof. Otherinsulation materials formed by any acceptable process may be used. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the insulation material 54 is silicon oxideformed by a FCVD process. An anneal process may be performed once theinsulation material is formed. In an embodiment, the insulation material54 is formed such that excess insulation material 54 covers the fins 52.Although the insulation material 54 is illustrated as a single layer,some embodiments may utilize multiple layers. For example, in someembodiments a liner (not shown) may first be formed along a surface ofthe substrate 50 and the fins 52. Thereafter, a fill material, such asthose discussed above may be formed over the liner.

In FIG. 5, a removal process is applied to the insulation material 54 toremove excess insulation material 54 over the fins 52. In someembodiments, a planarization process such as a chemical mechanicalpolish (CMP), an etch back process, combinations thereof, or the likemay be utilized. The planarization process exposes the fins 52 such thattop surfaces of the fins 52 and the insulation material 54 are levelafter the planarization process is complete.

In FIG. 6, the insulation material 54 is recessed to form Shallow TrenchIsolation (STI) regions 56. The insulation material 54 is recessed suchthat upper portions of fins 52 in the region 50N and in the region 50Pprotrude from between neighboring STI regions 56. Further, the topsurfaces of the STI regions 56 may have a flat surface as illustrated, aconvex surface, a concave surface (such as dishing), or a combinationthereof. The top surfaces of the STI regions 56 may be formed flat,convex, and/or concave by an appropriate etch. The STI regions 56 may berecessed using an acceptable etching process, such as one that isselective to the material of the insulation material 54 (e.g., etchesthe material of the insulation material 54 at a faster rate than thematerial of the fins 52). For example, a chemical oxide removal with asuitable etch process using, for example, dilute hydrofluoric (dHF) acidmay be used.

The process described with respect to FIGS. 2 through 6 is just oneexample of how the fins 52 may be formed. In some embodiments, the finsmay be formed by an epitaxial growth process. For example, a dielectriclayer can be formed over a top surface of the substrate 50, and trenchescan be etched through the dielectric layer to expose the underlyingsubstrate 50. Homoepitaxial structures can be epitaxially grown in thetrenches, and the dielectric layer can be recessed such that thehomoepitaxial structures protrude from the dielectric layer to formfins. Additionally, in some embodiments, heteroepitaxial structures canbe used for the fins 52. For example, the fins 52 in FIG. 5 can berecessed, and a material different from the fins 52 may be epitaxiallygrown over the recessed fins 52. In such embodiments, the fins 52comprise the recessed material as well as the epitaxially grown materialdisposed over the recessed material. In an even further embodiment, adielectric layer can be formed over a top surface of the substrate 50,and trenches can be etched through the dielectric layer. Heteroepitaxialstructures can then be epitaxially grown in the trenches using amaterial different from the substrate 50, and the dielectric layer canbe recessed such that the heteroepitaxial structures protrude from thedielectric layer to form the fins 52. In some embodiments wherehomoepitaxial or heteroepitaxial structures are epitaxially grown, theepitaxially grown materials may be in situ doped during growth, whichmay obviate prior and subsequent implantations although in situ andimplantation doping may be used together.

Still further, it may be advantageous to epitaxially grow a material inregion 50N (e.g., an NMOS region) different from the material in region50P (e.g., a PMOS region). In various embodiments, upper portions of thefins 52 may be formed from silicon germanium (Si_(x)Ge_(1-x), where xcan be in the range of 0 to 1), silicon carbide, pure or substantiallypure germanium, a III-V compound semiconductor, a II-VI compoundsemiconductor, or the like. For example, the available materials forforming III-V compound semiconductor include, but are not limited to,InAs, AlAs, GaAs, InP, GaN, InGaAs, InAlAs, GaSb, AlSb, AlP, GaP, andthe like.

Further, in FIG. 6, appropriate wells (not shown) may be formed in thefins 52 and/or the substrate 50. In some embodiments, a P well may beformed in the region 50N, and an N well may be formed in the region 50P.In some embodiments, a P well or an N well are formed in both the region50N and the region 50P.

In the embodiments with different well types, the different implantsteps for the region 50N and the region 50P may be achieved using aphotoresist or other masks (not shown). For example, a photoresist maybe formed over the fins 52 and the STI regions 56 in the region 50N. Thephotoresist is patterned to expose the region 50P of the substrate 50,such as a PMOS region. The photoresist can be formed by using a spin-ontechnique and can be patterned using acceptable photolithographytechniques. Once the photoresist is patterned, an n-type impurityimplant is performed in the region 50P, and the photoresist may act as amask to substantially prevent n-type impurities from being implantedinto the region 50N, such as an NMOS region. The n-type impurities maybe phosphorus, arsenic, or the like implanted in the region to aconcentration of equal to or less than 10¹⁸ cm⁻³, such as in a range ofabout 10¹⁷ cm⁻³ to about 10¹⁸ cm⁻³. After the implant, the photoresistis removed, such as by an acceptable ashing process.

Following the implanting of the region 50P, a photoresist is formed overthe fins 52 and the STI regions 56 in the region 50P. The photoresist ispatterned to expose the region 50N of the substrate 50, such as the NMOSregion. The photoresist can be formed by using a spin-on technique andcan be patterned using acceptable photolithography techniques. Once thephotoresist is patterned, a p-type impurity implant may be performed inthe region 50N, and the photoresist may act as a mask to substantiallyprevent p-type impurities from being implanted into the region 50P, suchas the PMOS region. The p-type impurities may be boron, BF₂, or the likeimplanted in the region to a concentration of equal to or less than 10¹⁸cm⁻³, such as in a range of about 10¹⁷ cm⁻³ to about 10¹⁸ cm⁻³. Afterthe implant, the photoresist may be removed, such as by an acceptableashing process.

After the implants of the region 50N and the region 50P, an anneal maybe performed to activate the p-type and/or n-type impurities that wereimplanted. In some embodiments, the grown materials of epitaxial finsmay be in situ doped during growth, which may obviate the implantations,although in situ and implantation doping may be used together.

In FIG. 7, a dummy dielectric layer 60 is formed on the fins 52. Thedummy dielectric layer 60 may be, for example, silicon oxide, siliconnitride, a combination thereof, or the like, and may be deposited orthermally grown according to acceptable techniques. A dummy gate layer62 is formed over the dummy dielectric layer 60, and a mask layer 64 isformed over the dummy gate layer 62. The dummy gate layer 62 may bedeposited over the dummy dielectric layer 60 and then planarized, suchas by a CMP. The mask layer 64 may be deposited over the dummy gatelayer 62. The dummy gate layer 62 may be a conductive material and maybe selected from a group including polycrystalline-silicon(polysilicon), poly-crystalline silicon-germanium (poly-SiGe), metallicnitrides, metallic silicides, metallic oxides, and metals. In oneembodiment, amorphous silicon is deposited and recrystallized to createpolysilicon. The dummy gate layer 62 may be deposited by physical vapordeposition (PVD), CVD, sputter deposition, or other techniques known andused in the art for depositing conductive materials. The dummy gatelayer 62 may be made of other materials that have a high etchingselectivity from the etching of isolation regions. The mask layer 64 mayinclude, for example, SiN, SiON, or the like. In this example, a singledummy gate layer 62 and a single mask layer 64 are formed across theregion 50N and the region 50P. In some embodiments, separate dummy gatelayers may be formed in the region 50N and the region 50P, and separatemask layers may be formed in the region 50N and the region 50P. It isnoted that the dummy dielectric layer 60 is shown covering only the fins52 for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, the dummydielectric layer 60 may be deposited such that the dummy dielectriclayer 60 covers the STI regions 56, extending between the dummy gatelayer 62 and the STI regions 56.

FIGS. 8A through 23B illustrate various additional steps in themanufacturing of embodiment devices. FIGS. 8A through 23B illustratefeatures in either of the region 50N and the region 50P. For example,the structures illustrated in FIGS. 8A through 23B may be applicable toboth the region 50N and the region 50P. Differences (if any) in thestructures of the region 50N and the region 50P are described in thetext accompanying each figure.

In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the mask layer 64 may be patterned using acceptablephotolithography and etching techniques to form masks 74. The pattern ofthe masks 74 then may be transferred to the dummy gate layer 62. In someembodiments (not illustrated), the pattern of the masks 74 may also betransferred to the dummy dielectric layer 60 by an acceptable etchingtechnique to form dummy gates 72. The dummy gates 72 cover respectivechannel regions 58 of the fins 52. The pattern of the masks 74 may beused to physically separate each of the dummy gates 72 from adjacentdummy gates. The dummy gates 72 may also have a lengthwise directionsubstantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of respectiveepitaxial fins 52.

Further, in FIGS. 8A and 8B, gate seal spacers 80 can be formed onexposed surfaces of the dummy gates 72, the masks 74, and/or the fins52. A thermal oxidation or a deposition followed by an anisotropic etchmay form the gate seal spacers 80.

After the formation of the gate seal spacers 80, implants for lightlydoped source/drain (LDD) regions (not explicitly illustrated) may beperformed. In the embodiments with different device types, similar tothe implants discussed above in FIG. 6, a mask, such as a photoresist,may be formed over the region 50N, while exposing the region 50P, andappropriate type (e.g., n-type or p-type) impurities may be implantedinto the exposed fins 52 in the region 50P. The mask may then beremoved. Subsequently, a mask, such as a photoresist, may be formed overthe region 50P while exposing the region 50N, and appropriate typeimpurities may be implanted into the exposed fins 52 in the region 50N.The mask may then be removed. The n-type impurities may be the any ofthe n-type impurities previously discussed, and the p-type impuritiesmay be the any of the p-type impurities previously discussed. Thelightly doped source/drain regions may have a concentration ofimpurities of from about 10¹⁵ cm⁻³ to about 10¹⁶ cm⁻³. An anneal may beused to activate the implanted impurities.

In FIGS. 9A and 9B, gate spacers 86 are formed on the gate seal spacers80 along sidewalls of the dummy gates 72 and the masks 74. The gatespacers 86 may be formed by conformally depositing an insulatingmaterial and subsequently anisotropically etching the insulatingmaterial. The insulating material of the gate spacers 86 may be siliconnitride, SiCN, a combination thereof, or the like. The gate spacers 86may comprise a plurality of layers. The layers of the gate spacers 86may also comprise different materials. The anisotropic etching processmay not fully remove horizontal portions of the gate spacers 86 from theisolation regions 56 between adjacent fins 52. In such embodiments, topsurfaces of the isolation regions 56 between adjacent fins 52 arecovered by unremoved horizontal portions of the gate spacers 86. Thedummy gates 72, the masks 74, and the gate spacers 86 comprise gateassemblies 70.

In FIGS. 10A and 10B, recesses 81 are etched in the fins 52. The etchprocess can be isotropic or anisotropic, and it may be selective withrespect to one or more crystalline planes of the fin material. As aresult, the recesses 81, shown in FIG. 10B as having round bottomprofiles, can in practice have various profile shapes based on the etchprocess implemented. The etch process may be a dry etch, such as a RIE,NBE, or the like, or a wet etch, such as one using tetramethylammoniumhydroxide (TMAH), ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH), or other etchants. FIG.10B illustrates the recesses 81 along cross-section B-B as illustratedin FIG. 1.

In FIGS. 11A through 17D, epitaxial source/drain regions 82 are formedin the fins 52 to exert stress in the respective channel regions 58,thereby improving performance. The epitaxial source/drain regions 82 areformed in the fins 52 such that each dummy gate 72 is disposed betweenrespective neighboring pairs of the epitaxial source/drain regions 82.The epitaxial source/drain regions 82 may extend into the fins 52. Thegate spacers 86 may be used to separate the epitaxial source/drainregions 82 from the dummy gates 72 by an appropriate lateral distance sothat the epitaxial source/drain regions 82 do not short out subsequentlyformed gates of the resulting FinFETs.

The epitaxial source/drain regions 82 in the region 50N, e.g., the NMOSregion, may be formed by masking the region 50P, e.g., the PMOS region,and etching source/drain regions of the fins 52 in the region 50N toform recesses in the fins 52. Then, the epitaxial source/drain regions82 in the region 50N are epitaxially grown in the recesses. Theepitaxial source/drain regions 82 may include any acceptable material,such as appropriate for n-type FinFETs. For example, if the fin 52 issilicon, the epitaxial source/drain regions 82 in the region 50N mayinclude materials exerting a tensile strain in the channel region 58,such as silicon, SiC, SiCP, SiP, or the like. The epitaxial source/drainregions 82 in the region 50N may have surfaces raised from respectivesurfaces of the fins 52. In an embodiment, the epitaxial source/drainregions 82 may be epitaxially grown in the region 50N with a processthat does not produce facets. In other embodiments, the epitaxialsource/drain regions 82 may have facets.

The epitaxial source/drain regions 82 in the region 50P, e.g., the PMOSregion, may be formed by masking the region 50N, e.g., the NMOS region,and etching source/drain regions of the fins 52 in the region 50P areetched to form recesses in the fins 52. Then, the epitaxial source/drainregions 82 in the region 50P are epitaxially grown in the recesses. Theepitaxial source/drain regions 82 may include any acceptable material,such as appropriate for p-type FinFETs. For example, if the fin 52 issilicon, the epitaxial source/drain regions 82 in the region 50P maycomprise materials exerting a compressive strain in the channel region58, such as SiGe, SiGeB, Ge, GeSn, or the like. The epitaxialsource/drain regions 82 in the region 50P may also have surfaces raisedfrom respective surfaces of the fins 52. In an embodiment, the epitaxialsource/drain regions 82 may be epitaxially grown in the region 50P witha process that does not produce facets. In other embodiments, theepitaxial source/drain regions 82 may have facets.

The epitaxial source/drain regions 82 and/or the fins 52 may beimplanted with dopants to form source/drain regions, similar to theprocess previously discussed for forming lightly-doped source/drainregions, followed by an anneal. The source/drain regions may have animpurity concentration of in a range of about 10¹⁹ cm⁻³ to about 10²¹cm⁻³. The n-type and/or p-type impurities for source/drain regions maybe any of the impurities previously discussed. In some embodiments, theepitaxial source/drain regions 82 may be in situ doped during growth.

FIGS. 11A through 17D illustrate the formation in the region 50P ofepitaxial source/drain regions 82 which may comprise silicon germanium(Si_(x)Ge_(1-x), where x can be in the range of 0 to 1) doped with boron(B). In some embodiments, each of the epitaxial source/drain regions 82comprises a first layer 82A, a second layer 82B, a third layer 82C, afourth layer 82D, and a fifth layer 82E (as illustrated below in FIG.17B). The first layer 82A may also be called the first body layer 82A,the second layer 82B may also be called the second body layer 82B, thethird layer 82C may also be called the third body layer 82C, the fourthlayer 82D may also be called the fourth body layer 82D, and the fifthlayer 82E may also be called the fifth body layer 82E. In otherembodiments, the epitaxial source/drain regions 82 may have a fewer orgreater number of layers. In alternate embodiments for NMOS devices,epitaxial source/drain regions 82, which may comprise silicon and bedoped with arsenic (As) or phosphorous (P), may be formed in the region50N.

The epitaxial source/drain regions 82 are epitaxially grown usingmetal-organic CVD (MOCVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), liquid phaseepitaxy (LPE), vapor phase epitaxy (VPE), selective epitaxial growth(SEG), a combination thereof, or the like. When the epitaxialsource/drain regions 82 are formed of silicon germanium doped by boron,the epitaxial growth process uses a suitable Si precursor, a suitable Geprecursor, and a suitable B precursor. The B precursor provides boronsource for in situ doping the epitaxial source/drain regions 82 duringthe epitaxial growth process. The suitable Si precursor may be silane(SiH₄), dichlorosilane (DCS), disilane (Si₂H₆), Si₃H₈, a combinationthereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the suitable Ge precursor maybe germanium tetrahydride (GeH₄), digermane (Ge₂H₆), combinationthereof, or the like. In other embodiments, the suitable B precursor maybe diborane (B₂H₆), or the like.

FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrates the formation of the first layer 82A usingan exemplary process. The dashed lines around fins 52 show the maximumheight of fins 52 in cross-section A-A, for purpose of comparison withthe height of the epitaxial source/drain regions in cross-section C-C asillustrated in FIG. 11C. In the exemplary process, the first layer 82Ahas a Ge concentration in a range of about 10% atomic percent (at %) to40% at %. In some embodiments, the first layer 82A has a B concentrationin a range of about 5×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³ to 2×10²¹ atoms/cm³. A flow rate ofthe Si precursor may be in a range of about 5 sccm to about 500 sccm anda flow rate of the Ge precursor may be in a range of about 10 sccm toabout 800 sccm. A flow rate of the B precursor may be in a range ofabout 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. The epitaxial growth process may beperformed at a temperature in a range of about 350° C. to 850° C. andthe epitaxial growth process may be performed at a pressure in a rangeof about 5 Torr to 450 Torr.

FIGS. 11B and 11C further illustrate the formation of a first bufferlayer 84A on the first layer 82A. The first buffer layer 84A maycomprise silicon germanium (Si_(1-x)Ge_(x), where x may be in the rangeof 0 to 0.1) doped with boron (B). In accordance with some embodiments,buffer layers are disposed in the source/drain region 82 to improve theepitaxial growth of source/drain structures. The first buffer layer 84Amay have a Ge concentration in a range of about 0 at % to about 15 at %.The first buffer layer 84A may have a B concentration in a range ofabout 0 atoms/cm³ to about 5×10²⁰ atoms/cm³. A flow rate of the Siprecursor may be in a range of about 5 sccm to about 500 sccm. In someembodiments, a flow rate of the Ge precursor may be in a range of about10 sccm to about 800 sccm, and a flow rate of the B precursor may be ina range of about 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. The epitaxial growth processmay be performed at a temperature in a range of about 350° C. to 800°C., and the epitaxial growth process may be performed at a pressure in arange of about 5 Torr to 450 Torr. The thickness of the first bufferlayer 84A may be in a range of about 2 Å to about 30 Å.

FIGS. 12B, 12C, and 12D illustrate the formation of the second layer82B. FIG. 12C illustrates embodiments including those for thefabrication of logic circuits in which the source/drain regions onadjacent fins are allowed to merge. FIG. 12D illustrates embodimentsincluding those for the fabrication of SRAM devices in which thesource/drain regions on adjacent fins are separated. The merging of thesource/drain regions on adjacent fins may be restricted by an etchingprocess selective to denser regions of the source/drain regions. Theetching process may be a dry etch using an etchant comprising HF, HCl,HBr, a fluorine gas such as CF₄, CH₂F₂, CH₃F₃, CHF₃, C₄F₈, C₄F₆, NF₃, orSF₆, some carbon polymer gas, for example CH₄, CO, CO₂, or COS, thelike, or a combination thereof. The dry etch may be performed undersuitable pressure, such as e.g. in a range of about 2 mTorr to about 100mTorr, and at suitable temperature, such as e.g. about 30° C. to about80° C.

The second layer 82B may have a Ge concentration in a range of about 30at % to about 70 at %, and the second layer 82B may have a Bconcentration in a range of about 1×10²⁰ atoms/cm³ to 2×10²¹ atoms/cm³.A flow rate of the Si precursor may be in a range of about 5 sccm toabout 500 sccm, and a flow rate of the Ge precursor may be in a range ofabout 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. A flow rate of the B precursor may bein a range of about 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. The epitaxial growthprocess may be performed at a temperature in a range of about 350° C. to800° C., and the epitaxial growth process may be performed at a pressurein a range of about 5 Torr to 450 Torr. The epitaxial growth process maybe performed so that the second layer 82B does not have facets.Restraining the growth of facets may be performed with an etchingprocess selective to denser regions of the source/drain regions. Theetching process may be a dry etch using an etchant comprising HF, HCl,HBr, a fluorine gas such as CF₄, CH₂F₂, CH₃F₃, CHF₃, C₄F₈, C₄F₆, NF₃, orSF₆, some carbon polymer gas, for example CH₄, CO, CO₂, or COS, thelike, or a combination thereof. The dry etch may be performed undersuitable pressure, such as e.g. in a range of about 2 mTorr to about 100mTorr, and at suitable temperature, such as e.g. about 30° C. to about80° C.

In embodiments in which the source/drain regions on adjacent fins areallowed to merge, as illustrated in FIG. 12C, a lateral distance L1between the fin 52 and an outer vertex of the second layer 82B, may beless than about 10 nm. A ratio of a width W1 of fin 52 to the lateraldistance L1 may be in a range of about 3:10 to 3:3. Additionally, theremay be an air gap between the second layer 82B and the gate spacers 86as illustrated in FIG. 12C. The air gap may have a height H1 in a rangeof about 5 nm to about 30 nm.

FIGS. 12B, 12C, and 12D further illustrate the formation of a secondbuffer layer 84B on the second layer 82B. The second buffer layer 84Bmay comprise silicon germanium (Si_(1-x)Ge_(x), where x may be in therange of 0 to 0.15) doped with boron (B). In accordance with someembodiments, buffer layers are disposed in the source/drain region 82 toimprove the epitaxial growth of source/drain structures. The secondbuffer layer 84B may have a Ge concentration in a range of about 0 at %to about 15 at %. The second buffer layer 84B may have a B concentrationin a range of about 0 atoms/cm³ to 5×10²⁰ atoms/cm³. A flow rate of theSi precursor may be in a range of about 5 sccm to about 500 sccm. Insome embodiments, a flow rate of the Ge precursor may be in a range ofabout 10 sccm to about 800 sccm, and a flow rate of the B precursor maybe in a range of about 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. The epitaxial growthprocess may be performed at a temperature in a range of about 350° C. to800° C., and the epitaxial growth process may be performed at a pressurein a range of about 5 Torr to 450 Torr. The thickness of the secondbuffer layer 84B may be in a range of 2 Å to 30 Å.

FIGS. 13C through 16D illustrate embodiments in which two cycles of adeposition and etch back, or dep-etch, of additional epitaxially grownlayers of the source/drain region 82 are carried out. In alternateembodiments, more than two cycles of the dep-etch may be performed.FIGS. 13C and 13D illustrate the formation of the third layer 82C. FIG.13C illustrates embodiments including those for the fabrication of logiccircuits in which the source/drain regions on adjacent fins are allowedto merge. FIG. 13D illustrates embodiments including those for thefabrication of SRAM devices in which the source/drain regions onadjacent fins are prohibited from merging. The third layer 82C may havea Ge concentration in a range of about 30 at % to about 70 at %, and thethird layer 82C may have a B concentration in a range of about 2×10²⁰atoms/cm³ to 2×10²¹ atoms/cm³. A flow rate of the Si precursor may be ina range of about 5 sccm to about 500 sccm, and a flow rate of the Geprecursor may be in a range of about 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. A flowrate of the B precursor may be in a range of about 10 sccm to about 800sccm. The epitaxial growth process may be performed at a temperature ina range of about 350° C. to about 800° C., and the epitaxial growthprocess may be performed at a pressure in a range of about 5 Torr toabout 450 Torr.

FIGS. 13C and 13D further illustrate the formation of a third bufferlayer 84C on the third layer 82C. The third buffer layer 84C maycomprise silicon germanium (Si_(1-x)Ge_(x), where x may be in the rangeof 0 to 0.15) doped with boron (B). In accordance with some embodiments,buffer layers are disposed in the source/drain region 82 to improve theepitaxial growth of source/drain structures. The third buffer layer 84Cmay have a Ge concentration in a range of about 0 at % to about 15 at %.The third buffer layer 84C may have a B concentration in a range ofabout 0 atoms/cm³ to 5×10²⁰ atoms/cm³. A flow rate of the Si precursormay be in a range of about 5 sccm to about 500 sccm. In someembodiments, a flow rate of the Ge precursor may be in a range of about10 sccm to about 800 sccm, and a flow rate of the B precursor may be ina range of about 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. The epitaxial growth processmay be performed at a temperature in a range of about 350° C. to about800° C., and the epitaxial growth process may be performed at a pressurein a range of about 5 Torr to about 450 Torr. The thickness of the thirdbuffer layer 84C may be in a range of about 2 Å to about 30 Å.

FIGS. 14C and 14D illustrate a first etching back of the third layer 82Cand the third buffer layer 84C. FIG. 14C illustrates embodimentsincluding those for the fabrication of logic circuits in which thesource/drain regions on adjacent fins are allowed to merge. FIG. 14Dillustrates embodiments including those for the fabrication of SRAMdevices in which the source/drain regions on adjacent fins areprohibited from merging. The first etch back process may be a dry etchperformed with a gas comprising HCl, HF, HBr, H₂, Ge, the like, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the dry etch is performed witha mixed gas comprising HCl, Ge, and H₂. The first etch back may beperformed at a temperature in a range of about 400° C. to about 700 °C., for a period in a range of 20 seconds to 600 seconds. The first etchback may use N₂ or H₂ as carrier gases. After the second etch back, apurge may be carried out with H₂ gas for a period in a range of about 10seconds to about 60 seconds. As shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, the firstetch back removes portions of the third layer 82C and the third bufferlayer 84C on their respective sidewalls, reducing the horizontal widthof the third layer 82C and the third buffer layer 84C. FIG. 14Dillustrates how, in some embodiments such as for SRAM devices, thisreduction in horizontal width aids in preventing the merging of adjacentsource/drain regions 82.

FIGS. 15C and 15D illustrate the formation of the fourth layer 82D. FIG.15C illustrates embodiments including those for the fabrication of logiccircuits in which the source/drain regions on adjacent fins are allowedto merge. FIG. 15D illustrates embodiments including those for thefabrication of SRAM devices in which the source/drain regions onadjacent fins are prohibited from merging. The fourth layer 82D may havea Ge concentration in a range of about 30 at % to about 70 at %, and thefourth layer 82D may have a B concentration in a range of about 2×10²⁰atoms/cm³ to about 2×10²¹ atoms/cm³. A flow rate of the Si precursor maybe in a range of about 5 sccm to about 500 sccm and a flow rate of theGe precursor may be in a range of about 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. Aflow rate of the B precursor may be in a range of about 10 sccm to about800 sccm. The epitaxial growth process may be performed at a temperaturein a range of about 350° C. to about 800° C., and the epitaxial growthprocess may be performed at a pressure in a range of about 5 Torr toabout 450 Torr.

FIGS. 15C and 15D further illustrate the formation of a fourth bufferlayer 84D on the fourth layer 82D. The fourth buffer layer 84D maycomprise silicon germanium (Si_(1-x)Ge_(x), where x can be in the rangeof 0 to 0.15) doped with boron (B). The fourth buffer layer 84D may havea Ge concentration in a range of about 0 at % to about 15 at %, and thefourth buffer layer 84D may have a B concentration in a range of about 0atoms/cm³ to about 5×10²⁰ atoms/cm³. A flow rate of the Si precursor maybe in a range of about 5 sccm to about 500 sccm. A flow rate of the Geprecursor may be in a range of about 10 sccm to about 800 sccm. A flowrate of the B precursor is in a range of about 10 sccm to about 800sccm. The epitaxial growth process may be performed at a temperature ina range of about 350° C. to about 800° C., and the epitaxial growthprocess may be performed at a pressure in a range of about 5 Torr toabout 450 Torr. The thickness of the fourth buffer layer 84D may be in arange of about 2 Å to about 30 Å.

FIGS. 16C and 16D illustrate a second etching back of the fourth layer82D and the fourth buffer layer 84D. FIG. 16C illustrates embodimentsincluding those for the fabrication of logic circuits in which thesource/drain regions on adjacent fins are allowed to merge. FIG. 16Dillustrates embodiments including those for the fabrication of SRAMdevices in which the source/drain regions on adjacent fins areprohibited from merging. The second etch back process may be a dry etchperformed with HCl, HF, HBr, H₂, Ge, the like, or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the dry etch is performed with a mixed gascomprising HCl, Ge, and H₂. The second etch back may be performed at atemperature in a range of about 400° C. to about 700 ° C. for a periodin a range of 20 seconds to 600 seconds. The first etch back may use N₂or H₂ as carrier gases. After the second etch back, a purge may becarried out with H₂ gas for a period in a range of 10 seconds to 60seconds. As shown in FIGS. 16C and 16D, the second etch back removesportions of the fourth layer 82D and the fourth buffer layer 84D ontheir respective sidewalls, reducing the horizontal width of the fourthlayer 82D and the fourth buffer layer 84D.

FIGS. 17B through 17D illustrate the formation of the fifth layer 82Eand the completion of source/drain regions 82. FIG. 17B illustrates thecompleted source/drain regions 82 along cross-section B-B as illustratedin FIG. 1. FIGS. 17C illustrates embodiments, including those for thefabrication of logic circuits in which the source/drain regions onadjacent fins are allowed to merge, along cross-section C-C asillustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 17D illustrates embodiments, including thosefor the fabrication of SRAM devices in which the source/drain regions onadjacent fins are prohibited from merging, along cross-section C-C asillustrated in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 17Bthrough 17D, the fifth layer 82E is formed on the fourth layer 82D andthe fourth buffer layer 84D. The fifth layer 82E may also be referred toas a cap layer or a protection layer. The fifth layer may comprisesilicon germanium (Si_(1-x)Ge_(x), where x can be in the range of 0 to0.3) doped with boron (B). The fifth layer 82E may be deposited or maybe epitaxially grown using metal-organic CVD (MOCVD), molecular beamepitaxy (MBE), liquid phase epitaxy (LPE), vapor phase epitaxy (VPE),selective epitaxial growth (SEG), a combination thereof, or the like. Athickness of the fifth layer 82E may be less than about 6 nm. A totalthickness of the deposited layers 82 and the buffer layers 84 may be ina range of about 40 nm to about 80 nm. In an embodiment, the totalthickness of deposited the layers 82 and the buffer layers 84 is about12 nm. In embodiments in which the source/drain regions on adjacent finsare prohibited from merging, as illustrated in FIG. 17D, a lateraldistance L2 between a sidewall of the fin 52 and an outer vertex of asidewall of the source/drain region 82, may be less than about half ofthe pitch between adjacent fins 52 to prevent merging of the epitaxialsource/drain regions 82, such as about 15 nm. A ratio of a width W1 offin 52 to the lateral distance L2 may be in a range of about 1:1 to1:2.5.

In FIGS. 18A and 16B, a first ILD 88 is deposited over the structureillustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The first ILD 88 may be formed of adielectric material, and may be deposited by any suitable method, suchas CVD, plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD), or FCVD. Dielectric materials mayinclude Phospho-Silicate Glass (PSG), Boro-Silicate Glass (BSG),Boron-Doped Phospho-Silicate Glass (BPSG), undoped Silicate Glass (USG),or the like. Semiconductor materials may include amorphous silicon,silicon germanium (Si_(x)Ge_(1-x), where x can be between approximately0 and 1), pure Germanium, or the like. Other insulation or semiconductormaterials formed by any acceptable process may be used. In someembodiments, a contact etch stop layer (CESL) 87 is disposed between thefirst ILD 88 and the epitaxial source/drain regions 82, the hard mask74, and the gate spacers 86. The CESL 87 may comprise a dielectricmaterial, such as, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon ox nitride,or the like, having a different etch rate than the material of theoverlying first ILD 88.

In FIGS. 19A and 19B, a planarization process, such as a CMP, may beperformed to level the top surface of the first ILD 88 with the topsurfaces of the dummy gates 72. The planarization process may alsoremove the masks 74 on the dummy gates 72, and portions of the gate sealspacers 80 and the gate spacers 86 along sidewalls of the masks 74.After the planarization process, top surfaces of the dummy gates 72, thegate seal spacers 80, the gate spacers 86, and the first ILD 88 arelevel. Accordingly, the top surfaces of the dummy gates 72 are exposedthrough the first ILD 88.

In FIGS. 20A and 20B, the dummy gates 72 are removed in an etchingstep(s), so that recesses 90 are formed. Portions of the dummydielectric layer 60 in the recesses 90 may also be removed. In someembodiments, only the dummy gates 72 are removed and the dummydielectric layer 60 remains and is exposed by the recesses 90. In someembodiments, the dummy dielectric layer 60 is removed from recesses 90in a first region of a die (e.g., a core logic region) and remains inrecesses 90 in a second region of the die (e.g., an input/outputregion). In some embodiments, the dummy gates 72 are removed by ananisotropic dry etch process. For example, the etching process mayinclude a dry etch process using reaction gas(es) that selectively etchthe dummy gates 72 without etching the first ILD 88 or the gate spacers86. Each recess 90 exposes a channel region 58 of a respective fin 52.Each channel region 58 is disposed between neighboring pairs of theepitaxial source/drain regions 82. During the removal, the dummydielectric layer 60 may be used as an etch stop layer when the dummygates 72 are etched. The dummy dielectric layer 60 may then beoptionally removed after the removal of the dummy gates 72.

In FIGS. 21A and 21B, gate dielectric layers 92 and gate electrodes 94are formed for replacement gates. FIG. 21C illustrates a detailed viewof region 89 of FIG. 21B. Gate dielectric layers 92 are depositedconformally in the recesses 90, such as on the top surfaces and thesidewalls of the fins 52 and on sidewalls of the gate seal spacers80/gate spacers 86. The gate dielectric layers 92 may also be formed ontop surface of the first ILD 88. In accordance with some embodiments,the gate dielectric layers 92 comprise silicon oxide, silicon nitride,or multilayers thereof. In some embodiments, the gate dielectric layers92 are a high-k dielectric material, and in these embodiments, the gatedielectric layers 92 may have a k value greater than about 7.0, and mayinclude a metal oxide or a silicate of Hf, Al, Zr, La, Mg, Ba, Ti, Pb,and combinations thereof. The formation methods of the gate dielectriclayers 92 may include Molecular-Beam Deposition (MBD), ALD, PECVD, andthe like. In embodiments where portions of the dummy gate dielectric 60remains in the recesses 90, the gate dielectric layers 92 include amaterial of the dummy gate dielectric 60 (e.g., SiO).

The gate electrodes 94 are deposited over the gate dielectric layers 92,respectively, and fill the remaining portions of the recesses 90. Thegate electrodes 94 may be a metal-containing material such as TiN, TiO,TaN, TaC, Co, Ru, Al, W, combinations thereof, or multi-layers thereof.For example, although a single layer gate electrode 94 is illustrated inFIG. 21B, the gate electrode 94 may comprise any number of liner layers94A, any number of work function tuning layers 94B, and a fill material94C as illustrated by FIG. 21C. After the filling of the gate electrodes94, a planarization process, such as a CMP, may be performed to removethe excess portions of the gate dielectric layers 92 and the material ofthe gate electrodes 94, which excess portions are over the top surfaceof the ILD 88. The remaining portions of material of the gate electrodes94 and the gate dielectric layers 92 thus form replacement gates of theresulting FinFETs. The gate electrodes 94 and the gate dielectric layers92 may be collectively referred to as a “gate stack.” The gate and thegate stacks may extend along sidewalls of a channel region 58 of thefins 52.

The formation of the gate dielectric layers 92 in the region 50N and theregion 50P may occur simultaneously such that the gate dielectric layers92 in each region are formed from the same materials, and the formationof the gate electrodes 94 may occur simultaneously such that the gateelectrodes 94 in each region are formed from the same materials. In someembodiments, the gate dielectric layers 92 in each region may be formedby distinct processes, such that the gate dielectric layers 92 may bedifferent materials, and/or the gate electrodes 94 in each region may beformed by distinct processes, such that the gate electrodes 94 may bedifferent materials. Various masking steps may be used to mask andexpose appropriate regions when using distinct processes. In FIGS. 22Aand 22B, a second ILD 108 is deposited over the first ILD 88. In anembodiment, the second ILD 108 is a flowable film formed by a flowableCVD method. In some embodiments, the second ILD 108 is formed of adielectric material such as PSG, BSG, BPSG, USG, or the like, and may bedeposited by any suitable method, such as CVD and PECVD. In FIGS. 23Aand 23B, gate contacts 110 and source/drain contacts 112 are formedthrough the second ILD 108 and the first ILD 88 in accordance with someembodiments. Openings for the source/drain contacts 112 are formedthrough the first and second ILDs 88 and 108, and openings for the gatecontact 110 are formed through the second ILD 108. The openings may beformed using acceptable photolithography and etching techniques. Aliner, such as a diffusion barrier layer, an adhesion layer, or thelike, and a conductive material are formed in the openings. The linermay include titanium, titanium nitride, tantalum, tantalum nitride, orthe like. The conductive material may be copper, a copper alloy, silver,gold, tungsten, cobalt, aluminum, nickel, or the like. A planarizationprocess, such as a CMP, may be performed to remove excess material froma surface of the ILD 108. The remaining liner and conductive materialform the source/drain contacts 112 and gate contacts 110 in theopenings. An anneal process may be performed to form a silicide at theinterface between the epitaxial source/drain regions 82 and thesource/drain contacts 112. The source/drain contacts 112 are physicallyand electrically coupled to the epitaxial source/drain regions 82, andthe gate contacts 110 are physically and electrically coupled to thegate electrodes 106. The source/drain contacts 112 and gate contacts 110may be formed in different processes, or may be formed in the sameprocess. Although shown as being formed in the same cross-sections, itshould be appreciated that each of the source/drain contacts 112 andgate contacts 110 may be formed in different cross-sections, which mayavoid shorting of the contacts.

As discussed above, FinFET-based devices including static random accessmemory (SRAM) and logic devices benefit from increased volume ofepitaxially grown source/drain regions. Increased height of source/drainregions above the top surfaces of the semiconductor fins in which thesource/drain regions are embedded and increased volume can improvedevice performance by reducing contact resistance. This is becauseintermediate fabrication processes can consume significant portions ofepitaxially grown source/drain regions, so an increased volume of thesource/drain regions from the epitaxial growth stage will allow for alarger final volume of the source/drain regions. The increased volume ofthe epitaxially grown source/drain regions, together with the lowerenergy barrier between subsequently formed source/drain contacts and theepitaxially grown source/drain regions (due to the high dopantconcentration of the epitaxially grown source/drain regions),advantageously reduces the contact resistance of the formed FinFETdevice. This can be achieved by a multi-cycle growth using a repeateddeposition and etching (dep-etch) to increase the height of thesource/drain regions and restrain horizontal growth of the source-drainregions.

In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes afirst semiconductor fin and a second semiconductor fin, the firstsemiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin extending from asubstrate, a gate electrode over the first semiconductor fin and thesecond semiconductor fin, and a source/drain region adjacent to the gateelectrode and over the first semiconductor fin and the secondsemiconductor fin, such that a top surface of the source/drain region ishigher than a top surface of the first semiconductor fin and the secondsemiconductor fin under the gate electrode, such that the source/drainregion includes a plurality of buffer layers and a plurality of bodylayers, such that the source/drain region includes alternating layers ofa buffer layer of the plurality of buffer layers and a body layer of theplurality of body layers, and such that each of the plurality of bufferlayers has an average thickness in a range of about 2 Å to about 30 Å.In an embodiment, the top surface of the source/drain region is higherthan the top surface of the first semiconductor fin and the secondsemiconductor fin by at least 6 nm. In an embodiment, the plurality ofbuffer layers includes silicon germanium doped with boron. In anembodiment, the plurality of buffer layers includes a Ge concentrationin a range of about 0 atomic percent to about 15 atomic percent. In anembodiment, the source/drain region includes germanium in a range ofabout 10 atomic percent to about 70 atomic percent. In an embodiment,the gate electrode and the source/drain region are components of atransistor in a logic circuit. In an embodiment, an air gap isinterposed between the source/drain region and the substrate. In anembodiment, the air gap has a height in a range of 5 nm to 30 nm.

In accordance with another embodiment, a semiconductor device includes afirst semiconductor fin and a second semiconductor fin extending from asubstrate, and a first source/drain region on the first semiconductorfin and a second source/drain region on the second semiconductor fin,such that the first source/drain region is separated from the secondsource/drain region, such that top surfaces of the first source/drainregion and the second source/drain region are higher than top surfacesof the first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin, andsuch that the first source/drain region and the second source/drainregion each include: a first buffer layer, a first body layer over thefirst buffer layer, a second buffer layer over the first body layer, anda second body layer over the second buffer layer, such that each of thefirst buffer layer and the second buffer layer has an average thicknessin a range of about 2 Å to about 30 Å. In an embodiment, the firstsource/drain region and the second source/drain region include germaniumin a range of about 10 atomic percent to about 70 atomic percent. In anembodiment, the first source/drain region and the second source/drainregion are components of an SRAM device. In an embodiment, a ratiobetween a width of the first semiconductor fin and a lateral distancebetween a sidewall of the first semiconductor fin and an outer vertex ofa sidewall of the first source/drain region is in a range of about 1:1to about 1:2.5.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing adevice includes forming a first semiconductor fin and a secondsemiconductor fin protruding from a substrate, forming a first gatestructure over the first semiconductor fin, recessing the firstsemiconductor fin to form a first recess adjacent the first gatestructure, and forming a first source/drain region in the first recess.Forming the first source/drain region includes epitaxially growing afirst body layer in the first recess, epitaxially growing a second bodylayer on the first body layer, and forming one or more combined layers,such that forming each combined layer includes epitaxially growing anupper body layer, depositing a buffer layer on the upper body layer, andrecessing sidewalls of the upper body layer and the buffer layer. In anembodiment, a top surface of an uppermost upper body layer is higherthan a top surface of a first semiconductor fin by about 6 nm. In anembodiment, recessing the sidewalls of the upper body layer includes adry etch using at least one of HCl, HF, or HBr. In an embodiment, themethod further includes depositing a protection layer on an uppermostupper body layer. In an embodiment, the method further includes forminga second gate structure over the second semiconductor fin and recessingthe second semiconductor fin to form a second recess adjacent the secondgate structure, such that forming the first source/drain regionsimultaneously forms a second source/drain region, and such that thefirst source/drain region and second source/drain region remainseparated. In an embodiment, forming one or more combined layersincludes forming more than two combined layers. In an embodiment, theone or more combined layers have a total thickness of about 12 nm. In anembodiment, recessing the sidewalls of the upper body layer includes adry etch using a mixed gas including HCl, Ge, and H₂.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor device, comprising: a firstsemiconductor fin and a second semiconductor fin, the firstsemiconductor fin and the second semiconductor fin extending from asubstrate; a gate electrode over the first semiconductor fin and thesecond semiconductor fin; and a source/drain region adjacent to the gateelectrode and over the first semiconductor fin and the secondsemiconductor fin, wherein a top surface of the source/drain region ishigher than a top surface of the first semiconductor fin and the secondsemiconductor fin under the gate electrode, wherein the source/drainregion comprises a plurality of buffer layers and a plurality of bodylayers, wherein the source/drain region comprises alternating layers ofa buffer layer of the plurality of buffer layers and a body layer of theplurality of body layers, wherein each of the plurality of buffer layershas an average thickness in a range of 2 Å to 30 Å.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the top surface of the source/drain region is higherthan the top surface of the first semiconductor fin and the secondsemiconductor fin by at least 6 nm.
 3. The device of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of buffer layers comprises silicon germanium doped withboron.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of buffer layerscomprises a Ge concentration in a range of 0 atomic percent to 15 atomicpercent.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the source/drain regioncomprises germanium in a range of 10 atomic percent to 70 atomicpercent.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the gate electrode and thesource/drain region are components of a transistor in a logic circuit.7. The device of claim 1, wherein an air gap is interposed between thesource/drain region and the substrate.
 8. The device of claim 7, whereinthe air gap has a height in a range of 5 nm to 30 nm.
 9. A semiconductordevice, comprising: a first semiconductor fin and a second semiconductorfin extending from a substrate; and a first source/drain region on thefirst semiconductor fin and a second source/drain region on the secondsemiconductor fin, wherein the first source/drain region is separatedfrom the second source/drain region, wherein top surfaces of the firstsource/drain region and the second source/drain region are higher thantop surfaces of the first semiconductor fin and the second semiconductorfin, wherein the first source/drain region and the second source/drainregion each comprise: a first buffer layer; a first body layer over thefirst buffer layer; a second buffer layer over the first body layer; anda second body layer over the second buffer layer, wherein each of thefirst buffer layer and the second buffer layer has an average thicknessin a range of 2 Å to 30 Å.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the firstsource/drain region and the second source/drain region comprisegermanium in a range of 10 atomic percent to 70 atomic percent.
 11. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the first source/drain region and the secondsource/drain region are components of an SRAM device.
 12. The device ofclaim 9, wherein a ratio between a width of the first semiconductor finand a lateral distance between a sidewall of the first semiconductor finand an outer vertex of a sidewall of the first source/drain region is ina range of 1:1 to 1:2.5.
 13. A method of manufacturing a device, themethod comprising: forming a first semiconductor fin and a secondsemiconductor fin protruding from a substrate; forming a first gatestructure over the first semiconductor fin; recessing the firstsemiconductor fin to form a first recess adjacent the first gatestructure; forming a first source/drain region in the first recess,wherein forming the first source/drain region comprises: epitaxiallygrowing a first body layer in the first recess; epitaxially growing asecond body layer on the first body layer; and forming one or morecombined layers, wherein forming each combined layer comprises:epitaxially growing an upper body layer; depositing a buffer layer onthe upper body layer; and recessing sidewalls of the upper body layerand the buffer layer.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a top surfaceof an uppermost upper body layer is higher than a top surface of a firstsemiconductor fin by 6 nm.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein recessingthe sidewalls of the upper body layer comprises a dry etch using atleast one of HCl, HF, or HBr.
 16. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising depositing a protection layer on an uppermost upper bodylayer.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: forming a secondgate structure over the second semiconductor fin; and recessing thesecond semiconductor fin to form a second recess adjacent the secondgate structure, wherein forming the first source/drain regionsimultaneously forms a second source/drain region, wherein the firstsource/drain region and second source/drain region remain separated. 18.The method of claim 13, wherein forming one or more combined layerscomprises forming more than two combined layers.
 19. The method of claim13, wherein the one or more combined layers have a total thickness ofabout 12 nm.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein recessing the sidewallsof the upper body layer comprises a dry etch using a mixed gascomprising HCl, Ge, and H₂.